Rita Natalie Passaro, 76, a resident of Croydon, Pennsylvania, formerly of Matthews, North Carolina, passed into eternal peace on October 15, 2016. Rita was born November 27, 1939 in Bronx, New York. She was the daughter of Rita and Abraham Kaliner, and beloved sister of Terrence Kaliner, Charles "Guy" Kaliner, and the late Eileen Lepre. Rita was married to her soul mate, Peter Joseph Passaro, in June 1957. He predeceased her in 1996. They were married for nearly 40 years. Together they raised five daughters in Woodhaven, Queens, before retiring to Matthews, North Carolina. Rita is survived by her loving family, which includes her daughters, son-in-laws, and eight grandchildren: Rita and Joseph Cipriano of Northport, NY, and their sons, Joseph and Eric; Angela Passaro of Croydon, PA, and her son and his wife, Anthony and Sarah Smaniotto of Charlotte, North Carolina; Lori Passaro, and her son, Marc, of New York; Lisa and William Moll of Rye, New Hampshire, and their children Kristen, Amelia, Faith and John; and Theresa and Thomas Tenzlinger of Washington, New Jersey, and their daughters Alexa and Olivia. Survivors also include her brother, Terrence, and his wife Theresa, along with their four children, Francis, Peter, Anne and Jeanne and their families. She is additionally survived by her many nieces and nephews and wonderful lifelong friends. Rita was renowned for her love of children and her compassionate care for animals. Visiting hours will be Tuesday, October 18th, from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Prayer Wednesday, October 19th, 11 a.m., at Nolan & Taylor- Howe Funeral Home, 5 Laurel Avenue, Northport, New York 11768. Telephone (631) 754-2400. Interment to follow at Pinelawn Memorial Park, 2030 Wellwood Avenue, Farmingdale, Long Island 11735. Telephone (631) 249-6100. In our mother's final days, she was supported by the compassionate and loving care of the staff at Chandler Hall Hospice. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests any donations be made to Chandler Hall, 99 Barclay Street, Newtown, PA 18940. Telephone (215) 860-4000.